Temples of Khajuraho

The temples of Khajuraho can be divided, according to the direction of their situation, into three groups: Western, Eastern, and Southern. 85 temples, built during the 500 years of reign of Chandela kings, are the main tourist attraction of Khajuraho. Various erotic postures, inspired by Kamasutra of Vatsyayana, have been engraved on stones of temples. Most of the important temples are in the western group of temples. Besides, there is the Archaeological Museum. Items collected from the ruined temples are preserved here. A full day would be required to cover them. The southern group of temples, situated about 5 km from the village, consist of the Duladeo Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, and the Chaturbhuja Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The first temple shows on its wall the scene of women playing around trees. The second temple has a splendid image of Lord Vishnu.

Western Group of Temples is clearly the most important section of Khajuraho temples. It is here that you will find the biggest and most intricate temples of all. The Kandriya Mahadev which is dedicated to Lord Shiva is the largest temple in Khajuraho towering to a height of 31 m. In the Sanctum Sanctorum, there is a lingam. Do notice the ceilings and pillars of the temple that are magnificently carved. Other well-known temples in the group are Chaunsat Yogini Temple, Lakshmana Temple and Matangeshwara Temple. The Chandela Kings were Lord Vishnu's ardent devotees, so you will find many temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The most important of them is Varaha Temple, famous for the 9 feet high Boar statue.

There are mostly Hindu and Jain Temples in the eastern group. They are situated closer to Khajuraho temple. Parsvanath Temple, which is the largest Jain temple, has the most scintillating structure in the group. Ghantai Temple is another famous Jain Temple in the group. The images on the walls depict day to day lives of people. The three Hindu temples in the group are Brahma, Vamana and Javari Temples.

The southern group is also called Jain group of Temples. They are situated 5 km to the southeast of the town. Chaturbhuj Temple and Duladeo Temple are the most important of all. Chaturbhuj temple has a massive structure of Lord Vishnu inside the sanctum.